Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that European allies will continue supporting Ukraine despite demands from Russian leader Vladimir Putin to halt military aid to Kyiv.
He made this statement ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels on March 20, The Guardian reported.
When asked whether he trusts Putin’s calls for a ceasefire, Schoof responded that the Russian leader has already “shown his intentions” through the war in Ukraine and emphasized the need for a “very firm” peace agreement — one that can be enforced and upheld.
He also hinted at the Netherlands' interest in “direct investment in Ukraine’s defense industry” to leverage its capabilities and accelerate ammunition production within the country.
On March 11, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that Ukraine should not agree to any settlement that could lead to a period of instability and renewed aggression from Russia.
On March 18, Bloomberg reported that Putin was allegedly insisting Ukraine’s arms deliveries be halted as a key condition for peace talks.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")